Tommy's Midwives Helpline for Black and Black Mixed-Heritage women

Frequently asked questions

How can I contact the helpline?

The helpline number is 0800 0147 800. The midwives will also answer your questions by email on [email protected].

Please remember, it is a non-urgent line, offering general support and advice. We will not be able to make local referrals for you.

If you're worried about your health or baby's health, contact your midwife, GP, NHS 111 or maternity unit immediately. 

This may also be called Maternity Triage, Maternity Day Assessment unit, Maternity Helpline - or you maybe advised to contact the Delivery Suite, sometimes call the labour ward. NHS Maternity Care is an essential service and is always open. 

You can also access all our information on Tommy's website. 

For peer to peer support, visit our Baby loss Facebook support group or our Pregnancy and parenting after loss Facebook support group. 

Can I use the helpline?

This specialist helpline supports Black and Black Mixed-Heritage women and birthing people in the UK. 

Black women may experience racism during their healthcare and are underserved when it comes to support, which is why we are offering this specialised service. 

The helpline offers a safe space where you can be listened to and supported through any issue related to pregnancy, including pregnancy loss and pre-conception.

If you are not Black or Black Mixed-Heritage check out the help and support we have available for anyone who needs help in pregnancy or after loss.

How can I tell more people about this line?

We have free contact cards, fliers and posters. Please email [email protected] and let us know what you need.

I have an urgent question

This is a non-urgent service.

If you notice that your baby’s movements have slowed down, changed or stopped, it may be a sign that your baby is not well. Do not wait until the next day if you are concerned about your baby’s movements. Contact your maternity unit immediately. 

If you have any other symptoms that you're not sure about you can check here to see whether they are urgent or not. If in doubt, call your maternity unit, midwife or GP.

Bereavement support

If you've had a pregnancy loss or a neonatal death in the last year, you can also book a 1:1 call with a Tommy's Midwife using the form above.

Our midwives can arrange free baby loss bereavement counselling for you through our partnership with Petals, the baby loss bereavement charity, and Five X More.

If you have had a previous miscarriage, you can get personalised information and support with our new Miscarriage Support Tool.

It will tell you everything you need to know if you're thinking of another pregnancy after miscarriage.